Day 8 - 7th October - Asubone to Kwahu-Tafo

I didn't sleep too well overnight due to being downhill in the tent and the noisy crickets(?) and cockerels plus the very early rising from Peter cooking breakfast and the support team.  Still very excited as today is the last half day of cycling and we arrive today in Kwahu-Tafo!!!!

Breakfast was great thanks to Peter and it was lovely to eat it sitting looking over the huge man made Volta Lake.

After breakfast we made our way down to the shores of the Volta Lake and some of the group took a trip on a canoe in the Lake.  It was great to see the local people fishing the lake and reaping the rewards from their catch.

We then rode approximately 8 kilometres from our campsite over sandy, dirt roads which were very challenging given the depth of the sand.  I have never ridden in sand before and over the last couple of days this has been particularly difficult with the bike wanting to take its own course.  I have learnt (slowly) how to control the bike and avoid getting stuck / coming off. 

Tarmac road followed after the dirt road and we were soon greeted by cyclists from Tafo who had ridden from the town to greet us and we rode together as we approached the incredible Bruku rock which dominates the skyline.

Within a short time (25 kilometres) we were soon in Kwahu-Tafo and greeted by the most amazing welcome of the brass band and every school in the town holding banners.  It was a very colourful sight and again everyone was wearing a beaming smile and so welcoming.

We had a little rest of Humphrey's house (Nana Development Chief) before being lead by the brass band to the Chief's Palace to welcome us, followed by a lunch courtesy of the Chief.  Although it was very hot it was very welcome to receive a cool beer and a very tasty lunch.

Immediately after lunch we cycled the short distance to the Durbar Ground where we were greeted by over 1,000 people and we did a triumphant lap of honour.

There were many speeches and a brilliant performance by the singers from the Tafo Music Academy, presentation of certificates to each rider.  We were all blessed by a Fetish Priest in a trance by pouring boiling hot water over our heads - an amazing experience.

We then cycled the short distance to the Chief's guesthouse after a quick shower and change we then met with the Chief for chicken and pasta which was very tasty before retiring after another long day.

In total we have now covered the 400km (250 miles) for the challenge and tomorrow we will learn about the progress so far on the clean water project and the other achievements of Friends of Tafo.